Ford announced that the C-MAX Hybrid will have a base price of $25,995 which is $500 lower than the Prius v. Ford also plays the "spec war" game by touting slightly greater maximum cargo capacity (99 cu. ft. vs. 97 cu. ft.) and roughly an inch greater headroom for both front and rear passengers.

Ford C-MAX Hybrid

The C-MAX Hybrid is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter, four-cylinder gasoline engine (Atkinson Cycle), which is paired with a CVT and Ford's hybrid powertrain (now with a lithium-ion battery pack). We have the feeling that this is the same system that powers the second generation Ford Fusion Hybrid. While Ford isn't yet giving out EPA numbers for the C-MAX Hybrid, the 2013 Fusion Hybrid is good for 47/44 (city/highway).

“C-MAX Hybrid offers better fuel economy, performance, technology and functionality than Prius v – and C-MAX Hybrid customers will pay less at the dealership and at the pump,” said Ken Czubay, vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “Ford is delivering the power of choice for leading fuel economy across its lineup – from EcoBoost to electrified vehicles – because customers increasingly want to save money at the pump, even as gas prices rise over time.”

Production of the C-MAX Hybrid is already underway, and potential customers can spec and price out one on Ford’s site. A plug-in variant, the C-MAX Energi, will be available later this year.